The Knoxville City Council has recently approved a substantial investment into the Knoxville Police Department's technological capabilities. This nearly $28 million deal with Axon promises to equip the force with the necessary tools for efficient operation over the next 11-and-a-half years. According to Chief Paul Noel's statement before the council meeting, which was covered by WVLT, it would be almost impossible for the Knoxville Police Department to operate these existing technologies without this deal. The initiative, passed with a 7-2 vote, ensures that 95% of the funds will maintain current systems, including body cameras and other police tools.
A contentious point of the agreement is the remaining 5%, which allocates resources for new software to create a real-time information center. This system is expected to connect video from public and voluntary private surveillance cameras. Explaining the operation of this new feature, Captain Sammy Shaffer conveyed to WVLT that it allows access to crucial video data within minutes, which could be critical during events like incidents, missing person cases, or when a crime is in progress. Although intended as a voluntary system, this aspect has faced public opposition and privacy concerns.
The contract also includes an announcement about emerging technology Axon Fusus, reported WBIR. This software aims to provide the police with swifter access to footage from various cameras in the case of an investigation. When discussing the new system at a city council meeting, Chief Noel advised that the footage garnered by the police using this technology would be viewable by the public only if downloaded by the department, as necessitated by freedom of information laws, details confirmed by WBIR.
Further debate centered around the broader implications of increased surveillance. Councilwoman Amelia Parker elevated the discourse on the racial impact of such policing tools. "We've never learned our lessons on how to protect even our elderly, well-respected members of our Black community," Parker told WBIR. She expressed concerns regarding racial disparities and indicated the unjust burden shouldered by the Black community due to heightened surveillance and policing. In contrast, supporters, including Mayor Indya Kincannon, pitched the contract to bolster public safety and modernize the force.
